Jetman attempts first intercontinental flight

Yves Rossy, who calls himself "Jetman", is poised to make the first
intercontinental flight powered by a jet-pack when he attempts to fly across
the Strait of Gibraltar from North Africa to Europe on Wednesday.

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"Fusionman" takes part in a safety test at Tangiers airportPhoto: AFP/GETTY

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Yves Rossy crossed the English Channel a year ago from Calais to Dover with a jet-propelled wing on his backPhoto: AFP/GETTY

He will now attempt the 23-mile crossing between Tangier in Morocco and Tarifa on the southwestern tip of Spain.

"It is going to be historic," Mr Rossy said ahead of the record attempt. "No one has ever done this before."

The daredevil, who also claims the nickname "Fusionman" - because he believes he combines the skills of man and bird - will leap from a plane on the African side of the Strait of Gibraltar and attempt to soar across north Atlantic waters at the mouth of the Mediterranean.

Using a four-cylinder jet pack and carbon fibre wings spanning over 8ft, he will jump out of a plane at 6,500 ft and cruise at 130 mph until he reaches the Spanish coast, when he will parachute to earth.